Obituary for Marlow Ray “Poppy” Courtad

Marlow Ray “Poppy” Courtad age 99 of Forest, died at Serenity Spring Senior Living at Arlington on Aug. 3, 2024. He was born on July 17, 1925 in Wyandot Co. to the late Floyd R. and Mary Jane (Vroman) Courtad. Ray is reunited with the Love of His Life, he would have been married 75 years to Evelyn Patrick, they were married on Aug. 6, 1949. She preceded him in death on June 4, 2023. He is survived by sons Ray E. Courtad and Donald (Joanna) Courtad, both of Forest, grandsons Nathan (Michelle) Courtad, Forest Neal (Jen) Courtad, Findlay, great grandchildren Derek and Paige, Forest, Tristen and Leighton, Kaisten and Kyzic all of Findlay. Preceding him in death was a sister Mary Alice Walton Stoneburner, a brother Marvin A. Courtad and a sister Joan (V.L.) Reinschell.

He was member of the former Eureka United Methodist Church, Forest.  Ray served in the US Army with the 1133RD Engineer Combat Division in WWII in England, France, Germany and the Philippines where they were scheduled for the invasion of Japan when Victory Over Japan (VJ Day) occurred.  He retired from ODOT after 30 years of service and farmed with his son Ray E.

Ray’s main hobby and love was antique Reo and Ford vehicles. He was a member and former director of the Reo Club of America, and attended many of the national meets. He did not life to fly, but that did not stop him from flying to Reno for the annual car show and visits to their auto museums. He was a life member of McVitty VFW Post #1182, Forest. He participated in the Forest Tree Town parades with his 1936 Reo and 1930 Ford.  However much he loved antique vehicles he loved his home and family and never wanted to be away more than a week.

Funeral services will be held Thurs. Aug. 8, 2024 at 11:00AM in Clark Shields Funeral Home with Pastor Christopher Thacker officiating. Visitation is from 9:00-11:00AM before the time of services at the funeral home. Interment will follow in Hueston Cemetery with Military Graveside Rites conducted by the Hardin County Memorial Squad.  Memorial donations can be made to Blue Star Mothers Chapter #32 P.O. Box 456 Kenton, OH 43326.  To send a condolence or share a memory visit www.shieldsfh.com.